The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has granted $25,000 to Te Mana O Kupe Trust, enabling them to enhance digital literacy in Porirua by providing families with the tools needed for their children’s academic success. The grant supports the trust’s ongoing efforts to help parents secure Chromebooks for their tamariki, ensuring all Porirua students have access to essential digital learning devices.
Te Mana O Kupe Trust’s chairperson Michele Whiting highlights the goal of the initiative: “Our aim is to improve educational outcomes and whānau engagement through digital technology. We strive to close the digital divide by helping families afford Chromebooks for their children aged 8-15. Since 2014, we’ve sold over 4,000 Chromebooks, and our approach includes micro-financing options and partnerships for affordable internet access.”
This initiative enables students in participating schools to take Chromebooks home, providing a seamless connection between home and school learning. “We used to have to go to the library for help, but now getting homework done is much easier with his own Chromebook,” says a school parent. A grandparent echoes this, stating, “My grandson’s Chromebook has helped him showcase his passion for coding. He’s even teaching us how to code at home.”
NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications Ben Hodges adds: “Providing children with the digital tools they need helps create a level playing field in education, giving every child in Porirua an equal opportunity to thrive in school and life. NZCT is grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnerships we share with the Mariner and The Sandbar that made our grant possible.”
This funding marks a significant step toward ensuring that every child in Porirua has access to the digital resources necessary for academic success.